A lightning-caused fire burning eight miles southeast of Keller was only 10 percent contained, as of mid-morning on Tuesday.

The 500-acre Redford Canyon fire, located just northeast of where the San Poil river empties into the Columbia, is spreading in a northeast direction towards Whitestone Ridge, burning primarily grass, sage, and timber. The fire was reported on July 15 at 4:50 a.m., according to a joint press release from the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Some 250 firefighters are expected on the scene as of Tuesday July 18, with 14 fire engines, four bulldozers, and one skid engine.

Firefighters are constructing and holding firelines.

Road closures are in place on Nine Mile road, and Four Corners Road that goes to the six-mile area, which will be open to residence and logging operations only.

“Boaters along Lake Roosevelt need to be aware of potential helicopters and fixed wing aircraft dipping out of the lake,” the press release states. “Please stay clear of areas being used by firefighting aircraft.”

Air resources include fixed wing aircrafts of two Fire Bosses (a type of seaplane with water scooping capabilities), one SEAT or Single Engine Air Tanker (an air spray plane), two type-1 helicopters (capable of carrying up to 15 passengers and 700 gallons of water), and a type-3 helicopter (capable of carrying four passengers and 100 gallons of water) supporting ground crews.

A command post for fighting the fire has been established at the Keller Community Center.